Drag Mag 2016National Tank Transporter Branch Committee President, Major General (Retired) Christopher Michael Steirn CBE
Badges Ties Cufflinks Hats & Scarfs Memorabilia Mugs Jackets Sweat Shirts Plaques Watches Wallets Tank Transporters Shop www.tktptr.com2The Tank Transporter shop is a private business owned and run by an ex Tank Transporter. The shop has no official affiliation to the Tank Transporter BranchCommittee. The Tank Transporter Branch has no financial involvement with the shop.
Contents:Introduction 4The National Tank Transporter Branch Committee 6Reunion 2016 10Memories of 2015 Reunion 12Souvenir Tank Transporter Coin 14Tank Transporting Today 2016 Tank Transporter Squadron Disbandment 28 A Brief History of the RASC - RCT - RLC 34Tank Transporter Units 40A Tank Transporters Time 44The RASC/RCT Association 52Forces Reated Links 53What The! 542017 Captured Calendars 56Last Post 62 This Edition of Drag Mag: Editorial, compiled, design and layout by: Tony (Choggy) Brown Editorial Sources: Royal Logistic Corps National Army Museum Forces War Records Major General (Retired) Steirn CBE Colonel (Retired) Gilbert WO2 KP Meli LCpl D Whalley - Cpl Matthews, Cpl Pardoe - SSgt Mackman. Proofing: Captain (Retired) Ian Lloyd A Tank Transporters Time: Major (Retired) Terry Cavender Contact Tony for editorial and features: [email protected] Tony (Choggy) Brown, ex RCT Junior, 16 and 617 Tk Tptr and 42 AMF. 3
Intrduction/NewsWelcome to the re-launch of the Drag Mag with new ideas andstyle but retaining some original features, such as the respectedLast Post. For this edition, there is a new feature entitled,’’Member’s Memoirs’, compiled by one of our members. This willbe a key feature for subsequent editions and if you would like tobe next, then get writing and send your story in.The Tank Transporter family moves in two directions, bothgrowing and shrinking at the same time. With the TankTransporter app, (currently the only app of its type available to aBritish Army group), and the ever-popular Facebook page,Group numbers have increased steadily year on year. However,we also have to accept the sad fact that members are growingolder gracefully and inevitably we have to mourn the sad lossof some of our number each year. To all those who have passedaway during 2016, we salute you. You shall never be forgotten.The group has seen a few changes in the past year, with Leightaking over from Blackie and has been working hard to increasemember numbers while at the same time arranging this yearsreunion. Leigh has also been flat out developing the TankTransporters app with its many improved functions.In previous editions of the Drag Mag a listing of members wasincluded, but with the growing numbers and a limit on printspace, it is no longer possible to include this. However, that’swhere that app comes into its own because it now boasts alisting of over 1000 members and with more detail than wasever possible in the print version.4
Amongst others things, this years reunion will see the launch of thefirst Tank Transporters commemorative coin, which is free and will begiven to all those attending the gala dinner. The coin was the idea ofTony (Choggy) Brown, ex 16 and 617. Choggy designed the coin andeach year the coin will be of a different design.Like any group, it grows, develops and adapts; like any group, it’sabout the members, so get involved, it’s all about YOU.If you have any ideas for future editions just let Leigh or Choggyknow so they can be considered.Major General (Retired) Christopher Michael Steirn CBEA memorial has recently been erected outside7 Regiment RLC’s RHQ. Cpl Bolam, LCpl Thompsonand LCpl Rawsthorne names amongst others has beenincluded. The RLC found the RCT history to be abit sketchy and just in case anybody has been misseda gap on the memorial has been left deliberately tocatch any omissions. Should anyone know of any, thenplease contact RHQ. 5
The National Tank TransporterBranch Committie President: Major General (Retired) Chris Steirn CBE As President of our Tank Transporter Family I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Drag Mag. Our Community is thriving thanks to Leigh Williams and his Committee and I look forward to meeting up with as many old friends as possible during our Reunion Weekend. The reunion format has stood the test of time and is a successful method of ensuring that our Family stays in touch. However we must also look to the future to ensure that we are able to endure. As the Army has reduced in size so has our trade base, but 7 Regiment, which is also an important part of our heritage, continues to prosper. The Regiment is now firmly installed in Kendrew Barracks near Cottesmore. 617 Squadron remains a key sub-unit in its’ ORBAT and the Polish Eagle flies proudly over the barracks. You will see from the picture on page 5, that the Regiment takes good care to remember our fallen and have installed a new memorial in front of the Regimental Headquarters. The Commanding Officer has very kindly allowed some of its’ memorabilia to to be displayed at this year’s Reunion and together he, I and your Committee will work tirelessly to cement the common bond between us all. In my eyes the Polish Eagle, The Tank Transporter Trade and 7 Regiment (despite the fact that it has no longer tank transporters of its’ own) are intertwined. We are bound by our common history and we are dependent upon those same elements if our future success is to be ensured. 6
Vice Presidents - Colonel (Retired) Nigel GilbertI am delighted to be the Vice President of the TankTransporter Branch of the Corps Association,and lookforward to meeting up with old friends from my days in 7Tank Transporter Regiment. I first joined the Regiment asa Second Lieutenant in December 1964 when posted to 617Tk Tptr Unit MSO RASC in Hamm. I was privileged to servewith our Polish friends for six months, before moving toSennelager where I spent eighteen months in 23 Tk Tptr CoyRASC commanding B Troop. The unit was renamed on theformation of the RCT on 15 July 1965.I returned to the Regiment in March 1983 and wasCommanding Officer for nearly three years. The Polish MSOwere still in both 617 and 16 Tk Tptr Sqns, many of whom Iremembered from the 1960s. The family bond amongst theTank Transporter fraternity is second to none and I havethoroughly enjoyed the reunions over the years, initially inSheffield and of course at the Adelphi in Liverpool. I lookforward to meeting up with everyone this year. 7
Chairman: Leigh Williams Welcome to the first Drag Mag in its new format. Since the first AGM at the 2015 Reunion this has been a year of tremendous change. Some of you will have noticed more than others: To all the members that helped us get to this point I thank you for your contribution be it by way of a single donation or a regular subscription payment. Thanks also to all those who have helped not only to keep this Tank Transporter family on track but also to build the track of the future for our new members, providing them with a firm foundation and something to work with and to relate to when it’s their turn to steer the ship. The main aim of the Tank Transporter Committee is to maintain the strong family bond we have forged as a group, be it on Facebook or the Tank Transporter site or simply by staying in contact via the phone or the occasional camping weekend. It is also our aim to build on this close family atmosphere that provides support for all members and their families in this trade, something that we have all experienced first-hand and were once a part of and which made such a difference to our lives and ultimately our careers. Such firm foundations upon which our Tank Transporter family has been built over the years has led us all to where we are today and bodes well for it to endure well into the future.8
Tank Transporter Branch Current Stats:• Tank Transporters Facebook group;On the 21st Feb 2014 the number of memberswas 600 .On the 1st Oct 2016 the number ofmembers is now 1,319.• Tank Transporters App; In July 2015 thenumber of members was Zero.On the 1st Oct 2016 the number of listedmembers is 1,040.Appointment of Senior Committee Posts 2015• President - Major General (Retired) Chris Steirn CBE• Vice President - Colonel (Retired) Nigel GilbertAppointment of new working Committee 2015• Chairman – Mr. Leigh Williams - [email protected]• Secretary - Mr. Vince Kelly (Temporary)• Treasurer - Mr. Tony Brown - [email protected]• Military Liaison - WO1 Colin Smith (Bulford based)• Welfare co ordinator – Mr. David Wilson - [email protected] 9
The 2016 Reunion Liverpool from the 25th of November 2016There has been much talk about reunion venues. If you have anyideas, then let Leigh know your thoughts. Much has recently beensaid of a move to London and of staging the event at a forces backedhotel. Finding a venue big enough is the main problem. Cost is, ofcourse, always an issue; will London venues be able to offer rates on apar with the Adelphi? Anyway, the debate will go on.The 2016 reunion will once again be held at the Britannia AdelphiHotel in Liverpool from the 25th of November to Monday the 28th.Accommodation has been reserved and can be booked using thereferencee, TNK251116.Rates are: 4 Nights Dinner B&B per person £159 3 Nights Dinner B&B per person £129 2 Nights Dinner B&B per person £108 1 Night Dinner B&B per person £80All rates include Gala Dinners on the Saturday, if you are a resident,for non residents the Gala dinner is £21 per person.10
Programme2016 AGM in the Crosby Room, seated by 11:00 am Saturday 26thFormat for the Gala Evening 26th of November 2016Shop - Display Boards - Scrapbooks Open. 2.00 pm - Sefton SuitePre-Dinner Drinks 7.00 pm - Main LoungePhotographs between 6:30 pm - 8pm - Main LoungePre-order Wine for Dinner 7.30 pm - Main Lounge Bar areaPre-Dinner Welcome - 8 pm - Banquet RoomGala Dinner is Served 8.05 pm - Banquet RoomAfter Dinner Announcement 9.40 pm - Banquet RoomLive Entertainment by “THE SOUND” 9.45 pm - Banquet RoomAfter Dinner Drinks 9.45 pm - Banquet Room/Main LoungeRaffle Draw 10.00 pm - Prizes in Sefton SuiteDisco 10.30 pm - Banquet RoomLast Orders 3 am - American Bar (in Reception area)Shop Times: Sefton Suite. (times not set in stone!)Friday - Open - 4pm to 8pmSaturday - Open - 12am to 3pm 6pm to 8pm and then after dinnerSunday - Shop Open - 10:30 am(ish) to 1pm 11
Memories of 2015A Look Back at the 2015 Reunion12
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Souvenir Tank Transporter CoinFeaturing the Diamond T. The Souvenir Coin is to commemorate each year the Tank Transporter Reunion meet to reminisce, laugh and relive our years as Tank Trans- porters. The annual souvenir coin will be issued to all members who attend the annual reunion dinner. Each year we intend to issue a new coin. To help fund it, we are asking for a ‘Coin for a Coin, (details to be given at the gala dinner). The 2017 coin will feature the Mighty Antar. For 2016 there are 500 coins, if any are unclaimed following the reunion these coins will be available for purchase via the TkTptr shop. Surplus coins will cost £5 each plus postage. Once they have gone, there won’t be anymore!14
M19 Diamond T - PIC SR Photos Torksey!Amongst the first purpose built tank transporters used by the BritishArmy was the American Diamond T. Other vehicles had been used, suchas heavyweight Scammells, such as the Pioneer. But the Army’s need wasfor something more specialist, and in numbers, so the Ministry of Warwent shopping and settled on an all American vehicle.The M19 Tank Transporter (US supply catalog designation G159) was aheavy tank transporter system used in World War II and into the 1950s.It consisted of a 12-ton 6x4 M20 Diamond T Model 980 truck and com-panion 12-wheel M9 trailer.Designed as a heavy prime mover for tank transporting, the hard-cabDiamond T 980 was the product of the Diamond T Company in Chi-cago. In 1940 the British Purchasing Commission, looking to equip theBritish Army with a vehicle capable of transporting larger and heavier 15
The Diamond T -TruckType 45-ton Truck-trailerOrigin United StatesProduced 1941–1945Weight 26,650 lb (12,090 kg) empty 45,000 lb (20,000 kg) loadedLength 280 in (7.1 m)Width 102 in (2.6 m)Height 101 in (2.6 m)Engine Hercules DFXE 185 hp (138 kW)Transmission 4 speed x 3 speed auxiliarySuspension Beam axles on leaf springsRange 300 mi (482.8 km)Speed 23 mph (37 km/h)Trailer: M9 trailerWeight 22,020 lb (9,990 kg) (empty) 112,020 lb (50,810 kg) (loaded)Length 187 in (4.7 m)Width 97 in (2.5 m)Height 57 in (1.4 m)Suspension Trailing beams (front) center pivot beams (rear)16
M19 Tank Transporter system (M20 truck and M9 trailer) carrying a Grant tanktanks, approached a number of American truck manufacturers to assesstheir models. The Diamond T Company had a long history of build-ing rugged, military vehicles for the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corpsand had recently produced a prototype heavy vehicle for the US Armywhich, with a few slight modifications met British requirements and aninitial order for 200 was very quickly filled.The result was the Diamond T 980, a 12-ton hard-cab 6x4 truck. Pow-ered by a Hercules DFXE diesel engine developing 201 hp (150 kW) and 17
geared very low, it could pull a trailer of up to 115,000 lbs (52,000 kg)and proved capable of the task of moving the heaviest tanks then inservice.Production began in 1941. The first batch was received in Britain in1942 and very quickly demonstrated their rugged reliability in theBritish campaign in North Africa. Battle-damaged tanks needed to bequickly recovered, often under hostile fire, and returned to workshopsfor repair. The Diamond T, with its powerful engine and winch, couldaccomplish this, even in the harshest desert conditions.5,871 Diamond Ts were built by 1945 and were used by virtually everyAllied army in every theatre of WWII. The British Army took deliveryof around 1,000 during the war years and many continued in serviceafterwards, being replaced in the early 1950s with the ThornycroftAntar (“Mighty Antar”), although a few remained in tank transporter18
units up to 1971. Many of those sold off by the Army after the war weresnapped up by heavy haulage and recovery specialists, notably Pick-fords and Wynns, and were a familiar sight on Britain’s roads, pullingheavy lowloaders and fairground trailers or parked on garage fore-courts, in readiness for heavy rescue deployment equipped as wreckers(breakdown recovery trucks). The Diamond T suffered from “verylimited off-road performance” as a result of only the two rear axlesbeing driven. In the next edition of Drag Mag, will be the Antar MK2. 19
Tank Transporting TodayThe following is a collection of features kindly supplied byWO2 KP Meli - School of Tank Transporting Warrant OfficerHead of Trade - WO2 Kris MeliAs you are aware Bulford is the current home for the Tank Transporterfraternity, with 19 Squadron being the last remaining Tank TransportingSquadron within the British Army. The Squadron is quite unique as weare mal-located from our parent unit 27 Regiment RLC who are basedin Aldershot, who in turn are under the command of Headquarters 3(UK) Division. Over the next few pages, you will be provided with abrief insight into current tasking’s’ and commitments, that the Squad-ron have been conducting over the past several months, hopefully thesoldiers who have submitted their articles have broadened your horizonswith the relevant information that relates to the trade at present. This issomething that I am keen to promote and long may this continue in thenext edition of this prestigious magazine.20
Current G4 (Logistics & Quartering) System 19 Tank TransporterSquadron RLC19 Tank Transporter Squadron is an extremely busy Sqn within theArmy and are tasked on a daily basis both home and abroad. Thetempo of taskings on the Sqn has a huge impact on the G4 element.The demanding of oils and lubricants to service the vehicles iscontrolled through the Quarter Master Department by the Fuel andLubricants Accounting JNCO. Over a month period up to OneThousand litres of oils can be demanded to maintain the vehicles.A large number of demands are placed for Driver Fitted Items (DFI)each month through the Troop storeman into the QM’s department.The QM’s will hold a small amount of stock but needs to be carefullymonitored to keep up with demands. All items are demanded throughthe Management of the Joint Deployed Inventory (MJDI) and are doneon a priority basis which is controlled by the Receipt and Issues (R&I)NCO. Tyres are also a high demand item of maintaining theroadworthiness of the vehicles and trailers. One tyre for a trailer cancost between £180 and £200.The way we are currently doing G4 is a good system as it allows theSoldiers demanding kit to see where the equipment is at all times, fromthe Supply Depot. It means we have better accountability for ourequipment. 21
Tank Transporting Today E TROOP - Task for the Commemoration for The Battle of Flers. I was the Drag Commander for the task to deliver a Challenger 2 to Horse Guards Parade for the Commemoration of the Battle of Fleurs. The first part of the task was a recce of the route in and around the area, which I carried out a week prior to the move, making sure the route, was suitable for the 108T vehicle. I estimated a 6 hour window from Tidworth to the drop off point. We split down into 3 teams to carry out the task. Team 1 was the drive in; Team 2 was the day crew and Team 3 to drive back. I was escorting Team 1.22
We departed Tidworth at 00:05 hrs. Onthe 15/09/16, through the A338, A303,A34, M4 arriving at our rest stop, theparkway on the A312 at 03:00 hrs. Wewere then met by the Police escorts,and left for Horse Guards Paradearound 04:00hrs, arriving in thelocation around 05:00.The task of offloading the CR2 wascarried out by the HET crew, withmyself over-seeing the procedure. Allwent smoothly as possible.It was a very enjoyable task, and after 9½ years as a Tank Transporter it was myfirst task into London with a HET.Cpl Matthews - Section Commander 23
Tank Transporting TodayLCpl D Whalley - Accommodation JNCO OPS Route LicenceAs the Ops JNCO I am responsible for the planning of all HETand LET tasks of a military nature transporting AFVs, and variousequipment around the U.K and on overseas exercises/ operations.Having been in this role for the last twelve months I have had thepleasure of moving over four hundred loads, some of which wouldbe classed as small in the world of Tank Transporting, some on therather large side.Any time a HET leaves the camp gates laden or unladen it requiresa host of agencies to be informed, which at times can be verylimiting indeed. Due to the sheer size of the HET, the notice peri-ods range from two to five working days. Once any route licencesare applied for, the process of notification begins; my applicationis sent to every bridge, police and highway agency who then ac-knowledges our movement and deems it safe or unsafe.Often I will receive a phone call from various departments ask-ing us to clarify or change a certain route, or we are given specialinstructions on our procedure at certain points such as bridges.This information is then passed onto the “Drag” commander whoensures all routes and instructions are adhered to appropriately.Although all the efforts are put in to ensure we give as much noticeas we are legally obliged to give, we remain a military asset whichcan sometimes mean reacting to sudden situations. During mytime in this role I have had a number of urgent tasks, in thesesituations I have found myself personally calling said agencies andnegotiating permission to transit through their areas. Granted theyall understand our position and let us go about our business,however this privilege is never taken for granted and I only use itfor the highest priorities.24
Overseas movements are very much a different story; the Germanauthorities have a much longer process which can prove to be quitean obstacle when planning. It’s usually the case that any route licencesare not granted until the morning of the movement. These licences aresometimes rejected at H hour which can be extremely frustrating.A rather dramatic explanation of a simple process I know, however it’sjust one cog in an extremely time consuming planning process everytime a Sqn vehicle is deployed to move any large AFVs.Cpl Pardoe - OPS JNCO 25
Tank Transporting TodayB Troop - Old Allies, New FriendsOn the morning of 23 May 2016, 19 Tank Transporter Squadron RLCdispatched an elite team of transporters and mechanics from Britain toBaumholder, Germany. They supported 5th Battalion, 7th Air DefenseArtillery (U.S. Army) who conducted over 3,000 km worth of convoyoperations during Anakonda 2016. Upon their arrival, 5-7 ADA inte-grated 19 Sqn into their planning and preparation. Lt Mitch Cole (19)partnered with CPT Keith Fenlason from Service Company, 5-7 ADAand immediately began planning for the missions’ logistical transportand recovery operations; to include 19 Tk Tptr Sqn actively participat-ing in the battalion Rehearsal of the Concept drill.5-7 and 19 Tk Tptr Sqn started their month long exercise with an inte-grated multi-day convoy from Baumholder to Ustka and Torun. 19 TkTptr Sqn was essential to the movement of Command Post operatingcenters and essential Air Defense Equipment. They executed in truemilitary fashion both the deployment to Poland and the return from.2Lt Nicole Lazo, Field Maintenance Team Platoon Leader and ConvoyCommander noted: “Our British Allies were very resilient to constantand ever changing plans during convoys and recovery operations.”19 Tk Tptr Sqn also participated in the Tri-Nation Combined Recov-ery Exercise with both 5-7 ADA (US) and 3rd SAM Brigade (PL). CplLeigh Hitchen (19) and his team conducted an exhibition for over 100Soldiers, civilians, and media crews on the capabilities of the UK LightEquipment Transport (LET) Trailer System. They participated in Ser-vice Company, 5-7 ADA’s recovery drills both during the convoy andduring the operation. 19 Tk Tptr Sqn’s flexibility under the expertise ofSSgt Richard Mackman (19) enabled 5-7 ADA to jump from Ustka toTorun, Poland in one day with no stranded vehicles or containers. Theythen redeployed in support of 5-7 back to Baumholder from 16-22 June2016.26
19 Tk Tptr Sqn ability to work in conjunction with Service Company,5-7 ADA during Anakonda 2016, contributed to the mission’s successand allowed the nearly 3,000 km exercise to be executed flawlessly. Theyare greatly appreciated by the Soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers,Warrant Officers, and Officers of 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artilleryfor the extent of their hard work, cooperation, and extremeprofessionalism.“The British Soldiers were true professionals and masters of their craft.It was an honor to work with them and we look forward to continuingour partnership with the Queen’s Men.” 1Lt Samuel Zyburt, MaintenanceControl OfficerSSgt Mackman - B Troop MT SNCO 27
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16 Tank Transporter Squadron Disbandment.Editorial - Royal Logistic CorpsOn the afternoon of Friday 25 July2014, 16 Tank Transporter Squad-ron of 7 Regiment RLC conductedits ceremonial Disbandment Paradeat St Barbara’s Barracks, Bad Fall-ingbostel, Germany. It had ceasedtaskings in British Forces Germanyon 2 April 2014. The last remainingtroop of the Squadron integrateswithin 19 Tank Transporter Squad-ron, Bulford in September 2014,which has become the remainingTank Transporter Squadron in theBritish Army.Seventy-four members of the Squad-ron were on parade on a sunny after-noon, with a former CO, Maj Gen CM Steirn CBE inspecting the parade. 29
Four hundred and fifty guests were in attendance, reflecting the close rela-tionship with those who have been associated with the Squadron. Polishmembers from the Squadron’s founding unit, the Mixed Service Organi-sation, were also present to say farewell.Supporting the event was The Band of The Royal Irish Regiment, led byWO1 (BM) Richard Douglas. To conclude the parade, heavy lift vehiclesused throughout the Squadrons history conducted a drive past; theseincluded the Antar Mk3, Scammell Commander and the Oshkosh HeavyEquipment Transporter. Two CHALLENGER II Main Battle Tanks and30
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an AS90 were also on the paradeground to display the heavy liftcapability of the vehicles.The Squadron held drinks fol-lowed by a families lunch afterthe parade in the Vehicle Hang-ers, before an Evening HangarParty involving members of theSquadron and their guests par-tying until the small hours of themorning. Saturday 26 July 2014saw further celebrations con-tinue with a Tank Transportersin the Park Party. Six hundredguests attended, including pastand present tank transporterstaff, reminisced whilst they en-joyed live music, food and drinksthroughout the day and night.Upon the closure of 16 TankTransporter Squadron, theheritage and history passes to617 HQ Squadron, 7 Regiment,the nominated custodians. Theremaining troop will repositionitself in Bulford as part of 19Tank Transporter Squadron andretain its designated Warsawtitle, continuing to rememberand associate itself with its Polishancestry.32
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A Brief History of theRASC - RCT - RLCRoyal Army Service Corps - 1988 to 1965Nickname The Moke Train or the CommosMotto In Arduis Fidelis (Faithful in Adversity)March Wait for the WagonThe Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) was the Corps responsible forkeeping the British Army supplied with all its provisions with the ex-ception of weaponry, military equipment and ammunition, which wereunder the remit of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.Army transport in the British Army’s first century (1700s) was providedby civil contractors and the first uniformed unit to attempt these dutieswere the Royal Waggoners. This attempt proved unsuccessful and theRoyal Waggoners were disbanded in 1795, less than a year after forma-tion being formed.With the French Revolutionary Wars continuing, a second attempt wasnot long in coming, arriving in 1799 with the Royal Waggon Corps, laterrenamed the Royal Waggon Train. This proved longer lived, finally beingdownsized after the end of the Napoleonic Wars and was eventuallydisbanded in 1833.It took the poor supply chains of the early stages of the Crimean War(1854-56), and the ensuing public outrage, for another army supply unitto be set up in 1855, this time known as the Land Transport Corps andthen the Military Train.Army supply overall, however, was still in the hands of a unit of uni-formed civilians known as the Commissariat, which was in 1869 mergedwith Military Train officers to form the Control Department. This madethe Military Train a unit solely made up of other ranks commanded by34
A Column of Army Service Corps (ASC) lorries on A British Matilda Tank Loaded for Transport the Western Front during WW2. North Africa Desert 1942.officers from the Control Depart- ‘Royal’ prefix in recognition of itsment and in 1870 the Military invaluable contribution (and actsTrain was renamed the Army of selfless bravery) in supplyingService Corps. troops during the First World War.In 1875 the Control Department The Second World War saw thesplit into the Commissariat and RASC continue in its role in ofTransport Department (CTD) and resupply and logistics by land,the Ordnance Store Department sea and air to predominately the(OSD), with the latter forming the land forces. Again the bravery andpredecessor to the Royal Army tenacity of the RASC did not goOrdnance Corps. In 1880 the CTD un noticed in all fields of conflict.was renamed the Commissariat Winston Churchill once quoted:and Transport Staff (CTS) and the “Victory is the beautiful brightother ranks’ Army Service Corps coloured flower. Transport is therenamed the Commissariat and stem without which it never couldTransport Corps (CTC). have blossomed”.In 1888, the CTS, the CTC and In 1965, the RASC was mergedthe War Department Fleet merged with the Transportation andto form a second Army Service Movement Control Service of theCorps, bringing officers and other Royal Engineers to form the Royalranks back together into one unit. Corps of Transport. In 1993 theThat unit went on to absorb some RCT became part of the RoyalRoyal Engineer transport duties Logistic Corps.and to be given the honour of the 35
Royal Corps of Transport - 1965 to 1993Nickname Troggs, The WaggonersMotto Nil sine labore (Nothing without labour)March Wait for the Wagon Pic - Think DefenceThe Royal Corps of Transport (RCT) was a British Army Corps estab-lished to manage all matters in relation to the transport of men andmateriel for the Army and the wider Defence community. It was formedin 1965 and later in 1993 was disbanded to allow its units and trades tobe amalgamated into the Royal Logistic Corps.The Depot and Training Regiment RCT was located at Buller Barracksin Aldershot.As a result of the accepted recommendations of the McLeod Commit-tee, a Royal Warrant dated 26 March 1965 changed the title of the RoyalArmy Service Corps to Royal Corps of Transport to be effective from 15July 1965.36 Information Sourced Via - Forces War Records
During the period 1961 to 1963 there were discussions within the thenWar Office about the need to reorganise the Logistic Services. The prop-osition put forward was in general terms that there should be:-One Corps for supplying the Army.One Corps for moving the Army.One Corps for repairing the vehicles and equipment of the ArmyThese included the formation of a Transport Corps for the Army basedon the RASC. In addition, the Royal Engineers would hand over tothe new Transport Corps, its transportation functions including Ports,Inland Water and Railways, (other than its civil engineering aspects andmechanical repair), and the Movement Control Service.On 15 July 1965, the RCT was formed. Its role was to provide transportand movement support to the Army in both peace and war. TransportPic - Baor LocationsInformation Sourced Via - National Army Museum and www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk 37
support includes road, rail and maritime transporttogether with port operating and air despatch capabil-ities. Movements support comprises planning, policy,co-ordination and the control of all non-tactical per-sonnel and freight movement, by land, sea and air.The Royal Corps of Transport consisted of a numberof different specialist trades. These included:Driver was the primary trade of the RCT and as suchall private soldiers held the title of ‘Driver’.• Driver• Driver Radio operator• Driver Tank Transporter• Driver Air Despatcher• Driver Port Operator• Driver Railwayman• Mariner (Seaman)• Marine Engineer• Pilot - HovercraftRCT personnel served in additional roles. Staff carDriver duties could be carried out by any driver trade.Airborne Forces as a Parachutist but stayed in trade,so not for sea, port and railway trades. Parachutistwas never a trade in the RCT. (However 63 ParachuteSquadron RCT was part of the Airborne Brigade.The RCT provided the first Service Support Officer tocommand 22 SAS.38 Information Sourced Via - Forces War Records
Pic - www.royallogisticcorps.co.ukRoyal Logistic Corps - 1993 to PresentNickname Loggies, Really Large CorpsMotto We sustainMarch On Parade Lion, Sword and CrownThe RLC was formed 1993 from the amalgamation of five ‘FormingCorps’ comprising of the Royal Corps of Transport, Royal Army Ord-nance Corps, Royal Pioneer Corps, Army Catering Corps and the PostalBranch of the Royal Engineers.It is the largest corps in the British Army, moving soldiers, materials, ve-hicles, ammunition, fuel, post, food and other supplies to wherever theyare needed.The RLC is responsible for thousands of motor vehicles as well as theArmy’s storage, ordnance and fuel depots. It also operates the Army’sair despatch capability as well as maritime and rail transport functions;additionally the RLC provides pioneer labour and cooks, and is involvedin explosive ordnance disposal.In recent years the Corps has deployed to Northern Ireland, Germany,Cyprus, Kosovo, Bosnia, Falkland Islands, Iraq, Sierra Leone, Kenya,Brunei and Afghanistan.Information Sourced Via - National Army Museum and www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk 39
Tank Transporter Units -a brief history. Pic Via Robert Saunders Facebook.7 Tank Transporter Regiment RCTBAOR - Germany 1965Consisted of - 3, 16 and 617 Tank Transporter Squadrons. The RegimentalHeadquarters was at Sennelager at Antwerp Barracks.3 Tank Transporter SquadronSennelager 19723 Squadron, based at Sennelager in Antwerp Barracks, was formed from 23Tank Transporter Squadron. As an RCT Tank Transporter Squadron, the unithad two troops, A and B. In 1993, 3 Squadron rebadged to the RLC.16 Tank Transporter SquadronFallingbostel 1965 to 201416 Squadron was based at Fallingbostel in St Barbaras Barracks. The squadronwas made up of four troops A, B, C and D. A and B troops, were manned byregular soldiers, while C and D were staffed by MSO personnel. In 1993, 16Squadron rebadged to the RLC and in 2014 was disbanded.40
19 Tank Transporter Company/SquadronRetford & Bulford 1965 to Present time19 Squadron was first based Ranby Camp, Retford as 19 Company (Tk Tptr)RASC. In 1965 the Squadron rebadged to RCT and in 1968 the unit cameunder the command of 2 Transport Group. In 1969 the squadron moved toWard Barracks, Bulford. 23 Tank Transporter Company/SquadronSennelager 1965 to 197223 Squadron was based at Sennelager at Antwerp Barracks and was formedfrom 23 Company (Tank Transporter) RASC. 23 Squadron became Squadronin 1972.123 Company (Tank Transporter) RASCPaderborn/Sennelager 1945 to 1960 123 Company (Tank Transporter) RASC was originally based in Paderborn atBarker Barracks but later moved to Sennelager.414 Tank Transporter Unit Bulford 1989 to 1993414 Tank Transporter Unit was formed from 19 (XIX) Tank TransporterSquadron RCT based at Ward Barracks and came under the command of 7Regiment.617 Tank Transporter Unit (MSO)/Squadron RCTHamm 1965 to 1991617 Tank Transporter Unit (MSO) was originally formed as an MSO RASCunit based in Hamm at Cromwell barracks and came under the command of7 Regiment. In 1982, the Unit was renamed as 617 Tank Transporter Squad-ron when regular serving soldiers took over one troop. In 1987 all MSO’sunits were disbanded and coincidentally the last Antar was decommissioned.In 1991 the Squadron was disbanded. continued 41
Tank Transporter Units - a brief history3 Squadron Antar with white bumper markings,carrying a Chieftan Bridge Layer.The three BAOR based Tank Transporter Squadronswere easily identified by coloured bumper markings.3 Squadron had white bumper ends, 16 Squadronhad yellow bumper ends and 617 had red over white(as an acknowledgement of the Polish national flag).Additional unit identification was made by the unit tacnumbers; 3 Squadron was 210, 16 Squadron was 211and 617 Squadron was 212.19 (XIX) Tank Transporter Squadron and 414 TankTransporter Unit, based in the UK, didn’t havecoloured bumper markings to identify the units butdid have white bumper ends to indicate the width ofthe vehicle.42
617 Squadron Antar with white and red bumper markings. 16 Squadron Commander with yellow bumper markings, carrying a Chieftan MBT. 43
A Tank Transporters Time ‘A BOY FROM NOWHERE’: Terry Cavender late Royal Army Service Corps, late Royal Corps of Transport, late Ministry of Defence, late for work Most Mornings Kindle Edition.Terry Cavender joined the Ju-nior Leaders Battalion RASC atTaunton as a Junior Private in1963. Over the following 30years of mischief and mayhem hewas promoted to WO1 before be-ing commissioned, eventually re-tiring from the fray as a Major in1993. During that time he servedas both Admin Officer then Quar-termaster with 617 Tank Trans-porter Squadron RCT (Hamm,West Germany). He states that hisyears with 617 Tank TransporterSquadron RCT were amongst thehappiest of his life. Recently hedecided to write a book about hislife an experiences, which can beviewed on either Amazon Booksor Amazon Kindle. 617 TankTransporter Squadron RCT gets ahefty mention in the book!Terry Cavender may have been ‘Aboy from nowhere’ but he certainlydidn’t hang about for long. Bornand raised in a gritty Northern milltown called Keighley in 1947, Terry44
left home in 1963 and joined the Junior Leaders Battalion of the Royal ArmyService Corps as a Junior Private. Over the next Thirty years he was promotedthrough the ranks before finally becoming a commissioned officer.He left the Royal Corps of Transport in the rank of Major in 1993. In that timehe had served in Air Despatch units at RAF Changi and Seletar in Singaporewhere he took part in suppressing a local uprising, he also served in 8Regiment, 617 Tank Transporter Squadron, and 38 SquadronRCT in West Germany, all with hilarious episodes that were all self induced.He shook a lot of important hands during his time as a soldier and not leastwith Lord Avon (Sir Anthony Eden) who had previously been the PrimeMinister of Britain, others that followed were Enoch Powell, Lord Prescott, SirHarry Secombe, Barbara Windsor, Jeremy Kyle, key members of the RoyalFamily, Angela Merkel, and the odious Jimmy Savile. They’re allin this book, warts and all. There are a lot of artistes in the list of celebritiesbecause Terry has also delved into the world of entertainment. He has written,directed, produced and acted in several plays, pantomimes and radio plays.He also had the lead role in a comedy film which won a coveted Golden Bearaward at the Berlin Film Festival and whilst stationed out in the Far East heplayed a background part in the film ‘Stand Up Virgin Soldiers.’ Truly a man ofmany talents.Terry Cavender is a well known name in the Civil Service which is where hefinished his working career as a Staff Officer at the Defence School of Transportin Leconfield, East Yorkshire. He had a key job organising visits to the largestmilitary driving school in Europe, Royalty, Government Ministers, Senior CivilServants and Officers, Local and Foreign Dignitaries, MP’s and Film/TV/RadioPersonalities.This book is a hilarious record of one boy from nowhere who lived life to thefull, from his Dad’s sheep rustling days in a motorbike and side car, all the wayup to him hanging upside down on a trapeze swing trying to win the part in aTV advert. Terry will have you both mesmerised and crying with laughter.Read some extracts from a ‘Boy From Nowhere’ over 45
A Tank Transporters Time continued -an extract from a ‘Boy From Nowhere’ 617 Tank Transporter Squadron RCT (Cromwell Barracks, Hamm, West Germany (Part of 7 Tank Transporter Regiment RCT) (As a Captain – Administrative Officer, then Quartermaster)Yes, joy of joys, back out to West Germany this time serving with 617Tank Transporter Squadron RCT in Hamm. I was extremely fortunateto ultimately be able to spend five years there, half of the tour as Ad-ministrative Officer then for the remaining time as the Quartermaster.I took over as Quartermaster from a colourful character called CaptainJoe Sadler, a very nice bloke. As well as military staff I controlled severalmembers of the Mixed Services Organisation (MSO), which included aGerman Carpenter, a Polish Sign-writer and a one-legged Italian Cob-bler (don’t ask). I was also responsible for a group of others employedaround the base who came from all over the place, Lithuanians, Esto-nians, Germans, English, Scottish etc.The majority of the MSO though consisted of Poles who had been withthe British Army since the end of World War Two. Unfortunately forthem, at that time, they were unable to return home as the Communistshad them all down as persona non grata. It was such an honour to servealongside them and they were a fine body of men. Ladies and Gen-tlemen, Boys and Girls – 617 Squadron was another truly marvellousposting where once again we worked hard, played hard and had the timeof our lives defending the Nation from the Communist hordes. Neverto be repeated joys. There were a few awkward and difficult periods, butthose tales are for another time. Here, though, to give you a flavour, is atrue story from that time.46
‘THE WRATH OF GRAPES’After a couple of years of being the Admin Officer, I had been appointedQuartermaster (QM) and was Commander in Chief of all I surveyedwithin the Quartermaster’s Department, 617 Tank Transporter Squad-ron RCT. It was a delightful little number, with a relatively large, enthu-siastic staff.I hadn’t been in the job for more than a couple of weeks when I wasinformed by the Squadron OC that we were to be visited by our DirectorGeneral (DG) who was to visit several of the Royal Corps of Transport(RCT) units in West Germany on his annual ‘Wine Tasting and SeeingHow the Troops Were Rubbing Along’ type of visit. He wanted to callinto Hamm on his way to Bielefeld, to meet up with some of his oldMixed Services Organisation (MSO) chums and have a look at the latestdevelopments in the hardy world of Tank Transporting. I was told thatthe General had not yet had the opportunity to examine one of the ‘new’24 hour Ration Packs and would like to do so at some stage of the visit,if we could oblige. As QM I was tasked to ensure that a brand spankingnew 24 hour Ration Pack would therefore be available when called for.“Aha,” I thought “an opportunity for a bit of sport here.”One the day of the visit, pre-arrival of the DG, I had one of my loyal staffmembers pop across to the NAAFI and purchase some fresh grapes.The General’s 24 Ration Pack was then cunningly opened from under-neath and the black, juicy grapes carefully placed in the box – which wasthen resealed. Oh what a jolly wheeze this was going to be. I forgot tomention that the DG was a little crusty and not renowned for having asense of humour. Careers had been known to founder at his whim. As I’drecently been granted a Regular Commission (Late Entry) and was 47
Example of a 24 hour Ration Packrelatively secure, I wasn’t particularly concerned about that. I was surethat he’d see the funny side of my little jape. Ah, the crassness of youth.The visit progressed nicely and the DG eventually arrived at my de-partment, accompanied by the usual elongated line of millboard ladennodding flunkeys. After a spot of badinage with the chaps along theusual lines of “Wife in Quarters?” “Getting your LOA?” “Food alright?”etc, the DG mentioned the 24 hour Ration Pack to the CO, who men-tioned it to the OC, who nodded in my direction, I nodded at the SQMSwho sent a Corporal for the Ration Pack. The 24 hour ration pack dulyappeared up the supply chain as if by magic. “Just happen to have onehere, sir.” The smug look on the OC’s face clearly intimated that he wasthinking something like – “I love it when a good plan comes together.”He thought that things were going swimmingly. ‘Watch and shoot...’The 24 hour Ration Pack was handed to the DG, who then handed it tothe accompanying Brigadier – “Open that up, ‘Smithers’ (name changedto protect the innocent) there’s a good chap!” he commanded. The Brig-adier, sweating profusely at this unexpected and complex task, finallymanaged to prise the box open and handed it back to the DG. The DGlifted the lid of the box and proceeded to have a good root around insideit. He paused momentarily and then, a la Paul Daniels, produced from48
the innards of the box a bunch of black, glistening, juicy grapes. “I say,how jolly clever – how do they manage to do that? Are they frozen orsomething?” he said. The DG looked questioningly at the Brigadier, whoturned to the CO, who looked at the OC – the OC, with a fine bead ofgrey sweat adorning his upper lip, looked (rather furiously I thought)straight at me. “Quartermaster?” he said. Deathly silence for a verylong minute whilst I thought of a career saving and brilliant riposte, butcouldn’t.Suddenly, like a ray of sun breaking through the now stygian gloom,the DG smiled, something suspiciously phlegm-like rumbled in hischest then he began to guffaw heartily. “Captain Cavender, you’re sucha wag!” he said and continued laughing. The accompanying Brigadier,sensing that all was not lost, threw his head back, slapped his thigh,braying like a donkey, whilst the CO encouraged everyone else to joinin the merriment. I was saved. As the party eventually departed for theWorkshops, much to my relief, the Brigadier was heard to say to the OC,“Actually, old boy, just how do they manage to keep the grapes fresh?” ‘A BOY FROM NOWHERE’ ‘WEST BERLIN’“I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to visit West Berlinwith a ‘train’ of some 14 Tank Transporters, delivering tanks to BrookBarracks in Berlin. This necessitated travelling along the Berlin Corri-dor. The task was made more complex by the Russians who jealouslyguarded the border and closely scrutinised all of the complex paper-work and written authorities that were required for us to be allowed freepassage. The Russians were difficult and obtuse and would unfailinglydo their utmost to find errors in the paperwork so that they could denyus access to Berlin. Naturally we ensured that absolutely nothing was 49
wrong with our paperwork and that we could proceeded along our mer-ry way accordingly. It was always a testing moment though.We left Hamm and drove along the autobahn in a mightily impres-sive military convoy of 14 fully loaded Tank Transporters, a back-up 4Tonner (REME) a Land Rover and me leading the charge in a gloriouswhite Ford Escort, heading for Braunschweig. Our lads were profession-al and proficient drivers and I felt proud to be working alongside them.The lads were old hands at the game and worried not a jot, it was just‘another day at the office’ for them. At Braunschweig, in accordance withstandard procedure, we booked into an RMP post for the standard brief-ing regarding the complexities of travelling along the Berlin Corridor,had our paperwork thoroughly and efficiently checked then overnightedready for an early start the following morning. The briefing and checkswere key elements to our reaching Berlin, and designed to help avoidany confrontation at the border crossing post with the Russians, whoseprime aims it appeared to be was to make things as difficult, complexand long winded as possible.The following morning we ‘First Paraded’ our vehicles, ensured that themen had breakfasted and were OK, then carried out our radio checks.Radios were carried in both the leading and rear vehicles in the eventthat there was some sort of delay caused by mechanical breakdownetc. The bright young man manning the rear vehicle was Staff SergeantGaz Merrills, so we were definitely OK there. A breakdown would havedelayed the arrival of the convoy in Berlin, which would have delightedthe Russians no end as they could then cause a mega-fuss. We set off forthe border crossing post. On arrival there we were placed into a lay-bywhilst our paperwork was closely scrutinised by an eagle eyed Rus-sian. The Russian Adjutant rolled up in some sort of clapped out jeep,belching fumes (the Jeep, not him), accompanied by his interpreter. Wethen exchanged ferocious military salutes and I answered the variousquestions that were fired at me, which I had been well briefed about andfielded accordingly.50
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